Important Eastern Equine Encephalitis Information

County Health Department Administrators Homer Rice and Jerry Wynn announced that Florida Department of Health (DOH) Secretary John O. Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A. M.P.H., has issued a medical alert for Leon and Gadsden Counties after a human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in each county was confirmed.

It takes from four to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito for an individual to develop symptoms of EEE. Symptoms begin with a sudden onset of fever, general muscle pains, and a headache of increasing severity.

Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have contracted a mosquito-borne illness. DOH laboratories provide testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne disease.

DOH continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. These should include the “5 D’s” for prevention:

* Dusk and Dawn - Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.

* Dress - Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.

* DEET - When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.

* Drainage - Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Tips on Repellent Use:

* Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellants are not suitable for children.

* Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other effective mosquito repellents, as reported by the CDC in April 2005, contain Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.

* Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.

* In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.

* Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.

* Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.

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